CFR Establishes Lipman Chair to Focus on Emerging Technologies and National Security

To assist generations of U.S. policymakers to navigate the complexities of cyber and other technological threats, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) has launched the Ira A. Lipman Chair in Emerging Technologies and National Security, named for longtime CFR member Ira A. Lipman, the founder and chairman emeritus of Guardsmark, LLC—one of the world’s largest security services companies.

Adam Segal, senior fellow for China studies and director of the Digital and Cyberspace Policy program, has been named the inaugural chair and will assume the post this July. Through rigorous original research and practical proposals, this endowed chair will further CFR’s ongoing work on the impact of cyber and other emerging technologies on national security.

“As someone who has long stood at the forefront of the global security industry, Ira Lipman knows firsthand the importance of identifying national and global security threats early on. The risks posed by emerging technologies are poorly understood and will continue to challenge policymakers well into the future,” said CFR President Richard N. Haass. “We are honored that Ira chose CFR for this generous endowed gift, which will ensure that the study of the impact of cyber and other emerging technologies on U.S. national security becomes a permanent part of the Council’s research agenda.”

Lipman explained, “CFR has established itself as the leader of this field, consistently turning out top notch policy-relevant work on cyber challenges that have a direct bearing on business concerns, privacy issues, and political and national security realities. My investment in this program is but one way I can help ensure that CFR remains uniquely positioned to help the United States meet the challenges of this rapidly evolving frontier.”